Comments on: Outside LOTRO: Tolkien Town and Other Stores http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/ A blog and podcast about Lord of the Rings Online. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:09:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Merric http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/comment-page-1/#comment-501 Merric Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:14:56 +0000 http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/#comment-501 OK, so here we go. ;) I would like to say that in all seriousness I hold the printed word (physical books) above all other formats, whether it's audio, digital, whatever. I don't think I'd ever become a book collector (I just don't have the inclination or the dedication), but I definitely appreciate the value of books and admire anyone who does actually collect. However, that being said I find that audio books are much more conducive to my lifestyle. With commutes and a steady work schedule, audio books are usually much more convenient. I used to have a 3 hour drive (round trip) to work at my previous job and so listening to books and podcasts really made the drive easier. I've been able to enjoy quite an array of works that way. With the Kindle I was a bit hesitant at first because a) it's a large expense and b) it's a different reading experience. However, I have found that it is again, much more convenient. I have read a number of books on the Kindle, and yet have not filled up any additional space in the house which is a big deal because space is at a premium. I do not find that I miss the feel of the book and because I can sync my last page between my Kindle and the Kindle app on my iPhone, if I want to read outside my home I can pick up where I last left off on my Kindle, and then come home later and pick up where I left off on my iPhone. There are some hiccups at times, but it usually works quite well. The only type of book that I still can't bring myself to purchase on the Kindle are anything that needs to be "studied". For instance, my Microsoft Certification books (which aren't available in digital format yet, anyway) I still want in printed form due to the way I study using highlighters. I still like the feel of physically highlighting things, but should a color edition of the Kindle come out or if Amazon drops its DRM on my previously purchased books and another vendor comes out with a color e-reader, I might consider giving it a try. However, between saving physical space, the fact that I can purchase the books instantly, being able to read them on my Kindle, iPhone, and now on a Windows machine; I find the Kindle a great product. OK, so here we go. ;) I would like to say that in all seriousness I hold the printed word (physical books) above all other formats, whether it’s audio, digital, whatever. I don’t think I’d ever become a book collector (I just don’t have the inclination or the dedication), but I definitely appreciate the value of books and admire anyone who does actually collect. However, that being said I find that audio books are much more conducive to my lifestyle. With commutes and a steady work schedule, audio books are usually much more convenient. I used to have a 3 hour drive (round trip) to work at my previous job and so listening to books and podcasts really made the drive easier. I’ve been able to enjoy quite an array of works that way.

With the Kindle I was a bit hesitant at first because a) it’s a large expense and b) it’s a different reading experience. However, I have found that it is again, much more convenient. I have read a number of books on the Kindle, and yet have not filled up any additional space in the house which is a big deal because space is at a premium. I do not find that I miss the feel of the book and because I can sync my last page between my Kindle and the Kindle app on my iPhone, if I want to read outside my home I can pick up where I last left off on my Kindle, and then come home later and pick up where I left off on my iPhone. There are some hiccups at times, but it usually works quite well.

The only type of book that I still can’t bring myself to purchase on the Kindle are anything that needs to be “studied”. For instance, my Microsoft Certification books (which aren’t available in digital format yet, anyway) I still want in printed form due to the way I study using highlighters. I still like the feel of physically highlighting things, but should a color edition of the Kindle come out or if Amazon drops its DRM on my previously purchased books and another vendor comes out with a color e-reader, I might consider giving it a try.

However, between saving physical space, the fact that I can purchase the books instantly, being able to read them on my Kindle, iPhone, and now on a Windows machine; I find the Kindle a great product.

]]> By: Goldenstar http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/comment-page-1/#comment-499 Goldenstar Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:33:22 +0000 http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/#comment-499 Like you I really enjoy having a physical book to read. One of the reasons for our kindles was to try to reduce the huge pile of books we own. We have books everywhere in this house. The office is full, the basement is choked and my side of the bed is packed. We're big readers. The kindle allows us to share books with one another as well as being able to carry multiple books in a single device. When I was pregnant with the baby hobbit the best thing was having the "What to Expect" book on my kindle because it was not only because it was typically with me but the kindle also made it searchable so I could quickly look up what the stink was going on if I had a question. Also the kindle sort of mimics reading a book feel. It doesn't seem like it would but I really don't mind reading from the kindle. I hold it similar to a book, I "turn" pages with the buttons. It's not the same but it's still pretty satisfying and I don't really feel like I miss the book in my hands. I like the kindle quite a bit and while it's missing the weight you'd feel holding and reading most books, I think it's a pretty good substitute. Like you I really enjoy having a physical book to read. One of the reasons for our kindles was to try to reduce the huge pile of books we own. We have books everywhere in this house. The office is full, the basement is choked and my side of the bed is packed. We’re big readers.

The kindle allows us to share books with one another as well as being able to carry multiple books in a single device. When I was pregnant with the baby hobbit the best thing was having the “What to Expect” book on my kindle because it was not only because it was typically with me but the kindle also made it searchable so I could quickly look up what the stink was going on if I had a question.

Also the kindle sort of mimics reading a book feel. It doesn’t seem like it would but I really don’t mind reading from the kindle. I hold it similar to a book, I “turn” pages with the buttons. It’s not the same but it’s still pretty satisfying and I don’t really feel like I miss the book in my hands.

I like the kindle quite a bit and while it’s missing the weight you’d feel holding and reading most books, I think it’s a pretty good substitute.

]]> By: Ayalah http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/comment-page-1/#comment-496 Ayalah Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:10:42 +0000 http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/2009/11/outside-lotro-tolkien-town-and-other-stores/#comment-496 Hi Merric, I noticed that you have commented on the fact that The Official Tolkien Bookstore sells Audio Cd's. I believe your comment was,"My personal favorte." That got me to thinking about your Kindle and how your reading is going. Do you find it easy/intuitive to read a book on a kindle? Do you miss the smell of a actual book and the motion of turning pages? (Maybe this question is more for Goldenstar?) I listen to a lot of books on my iPod since i have a long commute (this is also where I listen to 'A Casual Stroll') and I do enjoy the format, though I also admit that nothing quite beats a new heavy hard-cover open on your lap. Anyway, the question is about the kindle vs. other ways of reading - how does it stack up? Hi Merric,
I noticed that you have commented on the fact that The Official Tolkien Bookstore sells Audio Cd’s. I believe your comment was,”My personal favorte.” That got me to thinking about your Kindle and how your reading is going. Do you find it easy/intuitive to read a book on a kindle? Do you miss the smell of a actual book and the motion of turning pages? (Maybe this question is more for Goldenstar?) I listen to a lot of books on my iPod since i have a long commute (this is also where I listen to ‘A Casual Stroll’) and I do enjoy the format, though I also admit that nothing quite beats a new heavy hard-cover open on your lap. Anyway, the question is about the kindle vs. other ways of reading – how does it stack up?

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